^O Pt^AYS EXCHANOtto 



PS 3513 
.R692 
G4 

1918 
Copy 1 



\HER.'5 Edition 

• or PLAY3 « 



Getting the Range 



Price, 25 Cents 



B. U). Pinero's Plays 

Price, 50 ecnte Eacb 



TIII7 A M A 7 ANQ Farce in Three Acts. Seven males, five fe- 
InEi AalALtyjno males. Costumes, modern; scfeaery, not 
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TUI7 rAHIMITT IWTMIQ'aTP Farce in Four Acts. Ten 
ltll!i LADmLl iTllINlOlLK males, nine females. Cos 
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UIC UATTCI7 IKT nOnrD Comedy in Four Acts. Nine males, 
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tnic Drama in Five Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, 
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I FTTY I^rama in Four Acts aiid an Epilogue. Ten males, five 
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No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 



Getting the Range 

A War Play in One Act 



By 
HELEN SHERMAN GRIFFITH 

Author of *'The Knitting Club Meets,'* ''An Alarm of 

Fire^' ''The Dumb Waiter ;' "A Large Order,'' 

"A Man's Voice," "Maid to Order," "A 

Psychological Moment," "The Scarlet 

Bonnet," "The Wrong Miss Mather," 

"The Wrong Package," etc. 



BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER & CO, 

1918 



F3 3513 



/^ \ cy ' 



Getting the Range 



CHARACTERS 



Madame Farouche, landlady of ''La Colovibe Farouche." 

Georgette, her maid. 

Muriel Egerton, trained nurse. 

Miss Susan Kelly, an American school-teacher, stranded in 
France. 

Miss Gladys Jones, another stranded American, rich and com- 
paratively young. 

Mrs. Basil Royce, an English widow in search of her son, re- 
ported missing. 

Marie Brunet, a Swiss washerwmian. 

Captain Brooke, of the English Secret Service. 

General Egerton, who does not appear. 




Copyright, 1918, bv Helen Sherman Griffith 

Free for ajnateur performance. Professional stage and 

moving picture rights reserved 



/8 19/S 

C1.D 50723 



Getting the Range 



SCENE.— Courtyard of the inn/' La Colombe Farouche," 
in provincial France, early in the war. Small tables 
set about a flat terrace, planted with small bushes. 
Entrance to inn at l. At r., the roof of a small arbor, 
hidden by bushes and vines. 

(Curtain rises disclosing Madame arranging flowers on 
tables. Enter Miss Kelly, her hair draggled, her 
hat on awry, her shirt-zvaist untidy at the belt. She 
carries a large, shabby book, presumably essays or 
poetry. She lays the book on a table and sits down, 
sighing wearily.) 

Madame (hastening across, lifting book from table 
and removing cloth, laying book down again on bare 
table). Mademoiselle is tired, n'est ce pasf 

Miss K. (unaware of Madam-e's thrifty action). No, 
no — I think not. I was just thinking, Madame. Now, 
take Maeterlink, for example. (She settles herself more 
comfortably and speaks in a monotonous, singsong voice.) 
Mis idea of happiness is purely idyllic. It differs so 
essentially from that of Bergen or 

Madame (going back to her work). Qui, Mademoi- 
selle. But Mademoiselle will pardon me if I prepare the 
tables for the droll English " five o'clock " ? Monsieur le 
General comes this afternoon. And we expect the arrival 
of two new guests. Mademoiselle has heard? 

Miss K. (absently). I suppose so. I am not sure 
whether Maeterlink's theory would — oh, Madame, new 
guests? Who are they? (Shozvs a little interest.) 

Enter Mrs. Royce, dressed in deepest, simplest black. 
She carries a pigeon in her arms. 



4 GETTING THE RANGE 

Mrs. R. Ah, see, Madame, I have taught my pigeon 
a trick. He will let me tuck a note under his wing, and 
will fly wiih it — not a great way, as yet, but he is learn- 
ing. Ah, that I could send him with a message to my 
boy — out there in the unknown! {Puts handkerchief to 
her eyes and sits down beside Miss Kelly.) It is so 
kind of Madame to allow me to keep my pigeons here. 
I could not have lived without them. They are all that 
link me to my dear boy. He and I kept them, you know, 
as a fad. I am sure I shall find my boy. He can't — 
can't (Puts handkerchief to eyes again.) 

Miss K. Why don't you go in search of him? As 
the children went in search of their happiness, in Maeter- 
link's " Bluebird." 

Mrs. R. (looking up). Which they found at home! 
Oh, do you mean that I ought to go back to England, 
Miss Kelly? Do you think my boy has gone home? 
Have you heard anything? 

Miss K. No — oh, no. I was just thinking. You 
know Maeterlink had a distinctly developed theory on 
happiness which differed essentially from the point of 
view of either 

Mrs. R. (sighing and not listening). Oh, my dear, 
dear boy, where can he be! (Fondles her pigeon.) 

Madame (arranging chairs). It is a very proper 
place to bring your doves, Madame Royce. It is a — how 
do you say it ? — a dovecote'. But when Monsieur le Gen- 
eral comes, he may not like it. He is always suspicious 
of a message being sent to the enemy, you know. 

Miss K. (simpering, and arranging her hair). The 
General is coming here ? A man ! How exciting ! 

(Clasps her hands.) 

Enter Georgette. 

Georg. Madame, one of the new guests arrives. 

[Exeunt Madame and Georgette, l. 

Miss K. (rising). The new guest may be a gentle- 
man. I shall make more of a toilette. And you, Mrs. 
Royce ? 

Mrs. R. (fondling her pigeon). All people are alike 



GETTING THE RANGE 5 

to me — unless — perhaps the General will have had news 
of my boy ! 

Miss K. Perhaps. (Aside.) These widows take 
any excuse to make up to a man. [Exit, l. 

Mrs. R. (alone, glancing furtively about her). I am 
sure it is well enough trained. Let us try. (She slips a 
note under the pigeon's zving and holds it aloft.) Fly, 
fly, little bird, with your mes Ah ! 

(With a stifled scream she tries to hide the pigeon un- 
der her arm as Muriel and Gladys enter, R. 
Gladys is dressed in fashionable American attire, 
Muriel in the costume of an English trained nurse.) 

Muriel (coming forward quickly). What have you 
there ? 

Mrs. R. (confused). I thought you were the General. 
It is nothing — my pet pigeon. 

(She shozvs the bird indifferently, then moves l.) 

Muriel (suspiciously). Why did you mind the Gen- 
eral seeing your bird? 

Mrs. R. (haughtily) . I mind the General seeing my 
bird? Why should I, indeed? I care not who sees my 
bird. 

(Exit, L., carrying pigeon. Muriel looks after her 
curiously. Gladys watches Muriel, amused.) 

Gladys. Why so pensive, Miss Egerton? Jealous of 
the fair widow and your father? 

Muriel. Of course not. Don't be absurd, Miss 
Jones. But — I did not exactly like her actions with that 
pigeon. Did it not look to you as if she were about to 
make it fly, as we came in? 

Gladys (dryly). It looked very much like it. I 
heard her bid it fly. 

Mltriel. Yes, with a note under its wing. (She looks 
about cautiously, and comes closer to Gladys.) Do you 
know that there is a spy somewhere hereabouts? 

Gladys (excited). You don't mean to say! How 
thrilling! Tell me all about it! Who is it? What has 
he done? Who told you? 



6 GETTING THE RANGE 

Muriel. We don't know who it is, of course, or he — 
or she — would have been shot by now. But we suspect. 

Gladys. Suspect ? How lovely ! Oh, do tell me all 
about it! 

Muriel (frowning). What do you mean by "how 
lovely " ? To suspect somebody ! You Americans are 
so odd. 

Gladys. I only meant how — how exciting. Just like 
a novel, you know. Whom do you suspect ? I'd love to 
help — shadow. Isn't that the word? 

Muriel. I really haven't any right to speak of the 
matter. But Mrs. Royce's actions were so 

Gladys. Mrs. Royce! I see it all! The carrier 
pigeon, the 

Muriel (glancing over her shoulder). Hush, hush, 
do ! Come to my room where we can talk without being 
overheard. The very bushes have ears. Mind you, I 

know nothing. It only occurred to me 

[They exeunt, l., as she speaks. 

Enter Georgette, r. ; looks about her. 

Georg. She has gone! (Looks off l.) Ah, Mees 
Egerton has taken her in charge. That is well. (Ar- 
ranges tables. Enter Madame, reading note.) Madame, 
the new guest whom you bid me show to her room has 
gone with Mademoiselle Egerton. Voila, they walk to- 
gether up the stairs. 

(She points off l. Madame glances off and shrugs 
her shoulders.) 

Madame. That is well. Then go you, Georgette, and 
prepare the other room. I am puzzled whether to pre- 
pare it for a gentleman or a lady. 

Georg. (interested). And does not the note say, 
Madame? 

Madame (considting note). It says, "a room for 
Captain Brooke." 

Georg. Eh bien, then, that is settled — a gentleman. 

Madame. Then why does he — she — le visiteur — de- 
mande (reads) " one electric hair curler and a hot 
water bottle in the room " ? 



GETTING THE RANGE 7 

Georg. {siaring), Sacre bleu! What a drole Capi- 
taine! 

Madame. That is just the point. No one but a lady 
would require those articles. 

Georg. But — ''le capitaine," Madame. {She salutes.) 
Perhaps — perhaps le capitaine suffers from shell shock 
and knows not what he asks ? 

Madame {doubt fully). Perhaps. In that case, Miss 
Egerton could help us. It is fortunate she is off duty 
just now. Run, Georgette, and get the captain's room 
ready, then come to serve tea when le General arrives. 
You know in what haste we must be to serve him. 

(Georgette bustles off l. Nearly collides with Aliss 
Kelly, entering. Miss Kelly has changed her 
frock for one almost as dowdy, with worn, crushed 
chiffon ruffles.) 

Miss K. (^/o/'/'m^ Georgette). Ah, Georgette, please 
fasten my collar. 

{Backs up to Georgette, who avoids her by turning to 
other exit, across stage.) 

Georg. But I am busy, Mamselle. The Madame has 
sent me on an errand. [Exit, r., quickly. 

Miss K. {sighing). Ah, well, it does not matter. 
But I should have liked to appear well before the Gen- 
eral. Ah, Madame, perhaps you will fasten my collar? 
{She backs up to Madame, who backs away, her hands 
full of cups and saucers. ) You know a great many men 
have been attentive to me, Madame — at various times. 
There was — can't you find the hooks? Ah, I see, busy 
too. {Sighs and sits at table.) 

(Exit Madame, r., preoccupied. Enter Mrs. Royce, 
L., without pigeon. Sits at table beside Miss Kelly.) 

Mrs. R. {looking off r.). Has Madame gone to fetch 
our tea ? It is nearly five o'clock. 

Miss K. {looking up dreamily). Tea? Five o'clock? 
I don't know, I'm sure. I was thinking of those moon- 
light nights at Heidelberg. Ah, INIrs. Royce, you can 
sympathize with me. You, too, have loved and lost ! 



8 GETTING THE RANGE 

{She sighs and simpers. As she speaks Gladys enters, 
L., unperceived. She pauses. ) 

Gladys {aside). Heidelberg! Mrs. Royce in sym- 
pathy! Can there be two spies? I must tell Miss 
Egerton. [Exit quickly, L. 

Mrs. R. {haughtily) . I never allow any one to speak 
to me of my — my loss, Miss Kelly. And do not mention 
Heidelberg, or any other German name. The somid is 
distasteful to me. 

Miss K. But you should not be like that, my dear 
Mrs. Royce. Don't be narrow-minded and prejudiced! 
Let your intellect rise above the petty quarrels of men, 
and consider only the best in every one. I am sure you 
have known many charming Germans in your time — just 
as I have. Why, there were two students at 

Enter Georgette, r., hastily, obviously in search of some 
one or something. Miss Kelly hurries to her. 

Miss K. Georgette, you surely must fasten my collar. 

{Without paying attention, Georgette hurries off, R., 
Miss Kelly following.) 

Mrs. R. {hiding her face in her hands). Oh, my poor 
boy, my poor boy ! If only I could get a message to him ! 
{Rises.) I must! I will ! (Muriel awo? Gladys /i/?/o^ 
in from l., and hide behind bushes, listening.) I will send 
the pigeon, cost what it may ! If he is still alive, he will 
understand. [Exit, r. 

(Gladys and Muriel come forward.) 

Gladys. There, you see. Doesn't she sound most 
awfully suspicious? 

Muriel. She does, rather. {Looks at wrist watch.) 
My father and his staff are coming here for tea pres- 
ently, and I will report to him. Will you keep an eye 
on Mrs. Royce? 

Gladys. Surely. I'm tickled to death to be helping 
in a mystery of this sort. Hello, who comes here? 
Anybody you know ? 

Muriel {looking off r.). Never saw her before — 



GETTING THE RANGE 9 

another guest for the inn, I fancy, or some one dropping 
in for tea. I'll see you presently. [Exit, l. 

Enter " Captain Brooke/' r. She is dressed in a sim- 
ple tailor suit of dark blue. 

Miss B. I beg pardon, but can you tell me where to 
find the landlady ? 

Gladys. Not unless she is in her office. The Gen- 
eral and his staff are coming for tea, and Madame is 
flying around like a hiveless bee. 

Miss B. (interested). Ah, the General is coming 
here! Does he come here often? 

Gladys (curiously). I really don't know. I'm a 
stranger here myself. Why shouldn't he come as often 
as he likes? There isn't anything wrong with the place, 
is there? 

Miss B. No, nothing wrong — no, no, of course not. 
(Turning suddenly.) Why do you ask that? 

Gladys. Gracious, how you startled me ! Speaking 
so suddenly. You see, I'm a stranded American and 
thought of staying here for a while, until I can make ar- 
rangements for sailing. But if the place is not 

Miss B. It is a very respectable, comfortable inn, as 
far as I have heard. I expect to stay here for a while 
myself, if I can find the landlady to make arrangements. 
I had written for a room. 

Gladys (turning at a sound). Here comes Madame 
now. Oh, no — it is only the one objection that / have 
been able to discover in the inn. She is staying here too. 

Miss B. (curiously, looking off). And who is she? 

Gladys. Another stranded American, like myself, 
only — well, I think she must be " touched " — you know. 
Why, she doesn't even realize what the war means and 
continues to talk about her friendships with German pro- 
fessors ! 

Miss B. (interested). Indeed? Sometimes they feign 
stupidity, or even madness, as camouflage. 

Gladys. What do you mean ? 

Miss B. Nothing, nothing. I'll go find Madame. 

(Miss Brooke passes out, r., as Miss Kelly enters. 



10 GETTING THE RANGE 

Miss Brooke eyes her closely as they pass. Miss 
Kelly is absorbed and unconscious of the others 
presence. ) 

Miss K. {gushingly, to Gladys). Ah, Miss — Miss 
Jones, they tell me you are an American. 

Gladys. How did ''they" guess it? 

Miss K. A rich American ! 

Gi^ADYS (aside). Now for a loan! (Aloud.) Travel- 
ing Americans are always " rich " to the frugal French. 
What can I do for you? 

Miss K. Ah, I knew you would understand. You 
are young — and romantic! (Clasps her hands.) I want 
you to help me get to my friends. (She looks about her 
and conies closer.) May I confide in you? I am sure 
you are sensible. Those curious people are so prejudiced 
that they cannot bear to hear me mention the names of 
my friends — for they are my friends. Miss Jones, I 
want to get to Germany. 

Gladys (startled). What! Into the enemy's coun- 
try? 

Miss K. Ah, don't put it that way — that is so crude, 
so unintellectual. Because this country and Germany 
have — ah — differed politically, that does not make all 
Germans our foes ! Sit down here. (Seats herself at 
a table and leans forward confidentially.) Let me tell 
you about my German friends — my professor — and you 
will understand. After that summer at Heidelberg he 
came to Paris. Miss Jones, he almost proposed! He 
did, indeed ! And then, those two students who were 
attentive to the girls I chaperoned. I know their people 
would be good to me if I could get to them. Miss Jones, 
you do not understand what this situation means to a 
person of pure intellect, like myself; suddenly to have 
my little school disrupted, my dear friends and pupils 
snatched from me — my dear Germany 

Gladys. Hush ! I will not have you speak so ! 

Miss K. What do you mean? '^ (Rising.) I shall 
speak as I like. I am not a prejudiced, narrow petti- 
fogger. I am a free lance. I speak what I like, and love 
where I like. 



GETTING THE RANGE II 

Gladys (moving away, offended). Love where you 
like, for all I care, but don't talk to me about it. (Aside.) 
I believe she is in the conspiracy with Mrs. Royce. I 
must talk to Miss Egerton. [Exit, l. 

Enter Madame, r., carrying open note, followed by Miss 
Brooke, whom she does not observe. 

Madame (looking at note). How odd of Monsieur 
le General. He will come for tea, but he must have a 
private room ! Ah, there is serious business afoot ! 
Where shall I put him? Ah, this little summer-house! 
(Crosses r. and lifts branch.) He and his friends will 
be quite safe from interruption in here, and they can go 
in from the back without being seen. I must send 
Georgette to set the table. [Exit hastily. 

Miss B. (looking after her, then toward summer- 
house). So, the General wishes privacy — secrecy. With 

whom is he to confer so secretly ? Can it be that 

(Turns and sees Miss Kelly.) Whom are you waiting 
for? 

Miss K. Ah, that my waiting could be rewarded ! But 
my dear professor cannot come through the lines. 

[Exit, r., in dreamy r every. 

Miss B. So — another. The plot thickens. Every 
time our guns fire, sooner or later, without fail, the enemy 
finds our range. Some one in this vicinity has com- 
munication with the enemy, but who? It could not be 

possible that the General No, he is too noble to 

sink to traffic with the enemy! I shall watch this silly 
woman whose dear professor " cannot get through the 
lines." Perhaps she " gets across," as the cinema actors 
say, with messages to him ? And the English widow who, 
the maids tells me, keeps pet pigeons. That in itself is 
a suspicious circumstance. I have my work cut out for 
me, I see. [Exit, thinking. 

Enter Gladys and Muriel in close conversation, passing 
her. 

Gladys. And so I believe she has some plan or other 
for communicating with the enemy. 



12 GETTING THE RANGE 

(Miss Brooke overhears this, turns and slips behind 
a bush, unobserved by the others.) 

Muriel (anxiously) . You know my father is coming 
here this afternoon, ostensibly to have afternoon tea and 
a rest, but it is really to arrange with the big guns for a 
new line of fire. Every time he has given his orders 
from here, the enemy has found the range. Some one 
in this place is a spy. Miss Jones, as I told you, and must 
be traced. Your suspicions sound very reasonable, and 
I shall be very grateful if you will continue to watch both 
suspects. My father may be in that little room over 
there at this very moment, and no one — positively no 
one — must go near the spot. They promised to put a 
Secret Service agent on the case, but he has not come 
yet. Hush, who is that? 

Enter Marie, l., with a basket of clothes. 

Marie (meekly, curtseying). Only the blanchiseuse 
Mam.selle. Have you any wash ? 

Gladys. A washwoman ! A sight for sore eyes ! ] 
certainly have some wash, good woman. Will you wail 
for it? 

Marie (curtseying again). Oui, Mamselle; with al 
the plaisir in the worl'. And I have the parcel for Mee« 
Egerton ; the caps. Are they not chic, Mamselle ? 

(She unwraps two caps that she takes from the baske. 
and holds them up for admiration.) 

Muriel. They are very well done, Marie. Wait hen 
and I will fetch your money. 

Gladys. And I will get my laundry bag. 

(Exeunt Gladys and Muriel, l. Miss Brooke ha. 
slipped out from her hiding place, and appears to bt 
entering as they pass her. Miss Brooke scats her 
self at small table, where she can watch the summer 
house and all that goes on. She rings bell on table 
Marie starts at sound of bell and retreats modestl 
to opposite side, which brings her near entrance /< 
summer-house. ) 

Enter Georgette. 



GETTING THE RANGE I3 

Georg. {going to Miss Brooke's table). Madame 
rang ? 

Miss B. Yes. Tea, please. 

Georg. {curtseying). Oui, Madame — Mamselle. 
{She crosses to Marie.) You are waiting for some one? 

{Then adds something to Marie in tone too low to he 
heard. ) 

Marie. The young ladies bid me wait. I am not in 
the way? {Then answers in undertone.) 

Georg. {shrugging her shoidders). No, not in the 
way — we have so few customers to-day. Generally 
{glancing at Miss Brooke for effect) we are crowded. 

{Exit Georgette, l., crossing stage with a showing 
of being very busy.) 

Miss B. {looking on absent-mindedly) . The maid and 
the washwoman are friends, I see. No doubt the pretty 
maid receives a commission for giving the blanchiseuse 
the house laundry. Ah well, the rich American is used 
to that sort of thing. 

Enter Madame, hurriedly, r. Glances toward summer- 
house; sees Marie. 

Madame {sharply). Who is there? 
Marie {coming a step forward, curtseying). Only 
me, Madame. I await the wash. 

(Madame nods and Marie retreats with her usual 
modesty, only this time moves a bit nearer the sum- 
mer-house. ) 

Madame {crossing to Miss B.). Are you being 
served? Can I do anything for you? 

Miss B. The maid has gone for my tea, I believe. 
Tell me, Madame, is not General Egerton expected here 
this afternoon? 

Madame {uneasily). No, Mademoiselle — that is — he 
was expected, but — {glancing toward summer-house) I 
have just now received a note saying 

Miss B. Saying he could not come? T see. I am 
disappointed. I had hoped to meet him liere. 



14 GETTING THE RANGE 

Madame. Mademoiselle had some particular reason 

for seeing him ? 

(As they speak, Muriel and Gladys enter and over- 
hear the conversation.) 

Miss B. (meaningly) . I had wished to see the Gen- 
eral on business— the business of the range of the guns. 
(Marie gives a start. Muriel and Gladys look at 
each other, startled.) 

Gladys (aside to Muriel). Somebody else who 
knows about the gun range! Can she be bringing the 
General information? 

Muriel. I don't know— possibly. (In lozv tone.) 
Or— she may be the spy ! Let us watch her. I thought 
she had been doing a good deal of snooping around. 
And you know father is here, right now, there in the 
summer-house — arranging his plans. 

Gladys (glancing from summer-house to Miss 
Brooke). The washwoman is very near the summer- 
house door. Does that matter? 

Muriel. Oh, she is a Swiss and does not understand 
French very well, if it is spoken fast. Besides, she's 
only a washwoman. I must pay her, by the way. (She 
crosses to Marie and hands her money. Marie curtseys 
and thanks her. Enter Madame and Georgette with 
trays of tea, which they serve. Madame serves Miss 
Brooke, then exits. Muriel returns to Gladys.) I 
couldn't hear a single murmur of voices in the summer- 
house. Perhaps father has already gone. 

Gladys. Or they were looking at maps. Sugar? 

(She pours tea.) 

Enter Miss Kelly and Mrs. Royce. Mrs. Royce tries 

to ovoid Miss Kelly, who insists upon sitting at the 

same table with her. Gladys beckons Georgette • 

and speaks to her. 

Georg. Oui, Mademoiselle, I will fetch it in one mo- • 

ment. 

(Georgette turns to Marie, zuJio shakes her headi 



GETTING THE RANGE I5 

slightly. Georgette goes on with her waiting. 
Miss Brooke zvaiches this slight byplay with sud- 
denly aroused interest.) 

Gladys {to Muriel, sipping her tea). Georgette 
ought to bring down my bag of laundry. She is keeping 
that poor woman an unconscionable time. 

Muriel {watching Miss Kelly and Mrs. Royce at 
near-by table). Never mind your wash just now. Watch 
those two over there. If they are not hatching a plot, I 
am much mistaken. 

Gladys. They do act mysteriously; Mrs. Royce pre- 
tending not to listen, and Miss Kelly so intent. Mrs. 
Royce is the better actor. Can't we move closer to them ? 

(Gladys and Muriel rise, and push their table toward 
the one where Miss Kelly and Mrs. Royce are 
seated. ) 

Muriel {quietly). Now, I think you will be out of 
the draught. Miss Jones. 

{They drink tea, and pretend to talk, in reality listen- 
ing to conversation at other table. Miss Brooke 
zvatches them, occasionally casting a glance tozvard 
AIarie, who is sitting on a bench just in front of 
the summer-house, has taken out her knitting and is 
plying the needles industriously. Madame and 
Georgette enter with plates of small cakes, which 
they serve to guests. Marie and Georgette ex- 
change meaning glances and signals two or three 
times — first negative on Marie's part, then at length 
she catches Georgette's eye, nods, and puts away 
her knitting. Georgette and Madame exeunt. 
Marie rises and moves a step or tzvo azvay from the 
summer-house. Miss Brooke watches them while 
pretending to drink tea.) 

Miss K. {to Mrs. Royce). And so you will surely 
help me, dear Mrs. Royce? With your pet pigeon? 
What a bird of intelligence it is ! And it will be so simple 
to tuck the note under his wing. Then — some day--I 
know that my professor — my beloved Herr Richter — will 
reward you by 



1 6 GETTING THE RANGE 

Muriel and Gladys {together, springing to their 
feet). Treason! Arrest her! 

Mrs. R. {springing to her feet and facing them). Of 
whom are you speaking? Surely no one dare call me a 
traitor ! I, who have given my only son ! 

Gladys. But you were listening to treason, if not 
actually agreeing. 

Muriel. I denounce your companion, and demand 
her arrest as a spy ! 

(Miss Kelly screams. Madame and Georgette 
hurry in. Madame rushes to table where Muriel 
and Gladys stand, hut Georgette hastens to Marie. 
Georgette carries a laundry hag which she thrusts 
into Marie's hands.) 

Georg. Go — go quickly, ma chere. There may be 
trouble here. 

(Marie crosses stage hastily. Miss Brooke stops her. 
Gladys and Muriel, Miss Kelly and Mrs. Royce 
talk quickly and angrily, Madainie turning anxiously 
from one to the other and evidently trying to make 
peace.) 

Miss B. {to Marie). You do washing, my good 
woman? Wait a moment longer. I may have some for 
you. 

Marie. But I cannot wait longer now. Mademoiselle. 
I will return to-morrow and then 

Miss B. Why this sudden haste? You were content 
enough to wait a moment since. 

Marie. But, Mademoiselle, I 

Miss B. {coldly). Never mind thinking up excuses. 
You are to wait here, do you understand me? Take out 
your knitting, if it will ease your nerves. (Maru: 
glowers, tries to go past her, hut Miss Brooke catch '^^ 
her hy the arm and pushes her firmly into a seat.) You 
did not appear to understand me. You are not to ^o 
until I bid you. The quieter you remain, the better for 
you. 

(I^.^arie looks frightened and sulky, but remains quiet. 
Georgette approaches to speak to Marie, hut Miss 



GETTING THE RANGE 1/ 

Brooke motions her away. Georgette hurries off, 
frightened.) 

Miss K. {to Muriel). I care not what you think — 
or suspect. I am a traitor to no cause. I think my own 
thoughts, carry on my own Hfe, which is one of pure 
intellect, high above your petty wars. 

Muriel {scornfully). Magnificent sounding, but it 
does not go here. Madame, please fetch my father. He 
will know whom to arrest. 

Madame. But, Mees Egerton, your father has gone — 
not five minutes since. 

Miss Brooke {stepping forward). So, the General 
went about five minutes ago, Madame? Just about the 
time this good washwoman was ready to take her de- 
parture. 

Muriel {crossly). I cannot see what that has to do 
with it. We are discussing a serious subject, Miss — 
Miss 

Miss B. {quietly). Miss Brooke, Miss Egerton. 
Marie, come here, please. (Marie approaches, unwill- 
ingly.) I hope you all will excuse me for interrupting 
you a moment ? I wish to ask a recommendation of this 
washwoman. (Muriel and Gladys look annoyed hut 
do not speak. Miss Kelly and Mrs. Royce are too 
preoccupied to notice.) Madame, do you happen to 
know where this Marie lives? 

Madame {puzded). But yes, Mademoiselle — over 
near the billets. She does the ojEficers* wash. 

Miss B. I see. And do you happen to know just 
where — she hangs out her wash ? 

(Marie gives a stifled scream. Madame looks amazed.) 

Madame. Now you mention it. Mademoiselle, I do 
remember that she does not always hang out her wash 
in the same spot. She said — what was the reason, Marie ? 

Marie {curtseying and trying to control her agitation). 
The exposure was better, Madame — on sunny days. 

Miss B. Hum. That is an odd coincidence, for on 
the days Marie tried a new exposure, those days the guns 
had been moved. {Every one looks puzzled except 
Marie, who tries to control increasing agitation.) Miss 



i8 GETTING THE RANGE 

Egerton, perhaps you have heard that the enemy has 
been very clever at finding the range of our guns: 
(Muriel hows, astonished.) Well, it has been learned 
at headquarters that — {she turns and zvatches Marie) 
that the enemy receives a signal — a white flag of some 

sort (Marie tries to run away. Miss Brooke 

catches her by the wrist. Georgette appears, lookijig 
very frightened. All stare in bewilderment. Miss 
Brooke, quietly.) Marie Brunet, in the King's name, I 
arrest you as a German spy. You have been under sus- 
picion for some time. And, Madame, I am sorry to say 
that I must take your maid. Georgette, as an accomplice. 

(Georgette screams, turns and starts to run off, l. 
At a signal from Miss Brooke Muriel stops her.) 

Madame {puzzled and indignant). What do you 
mean. Mademoiselle ? Who are you to come here accus- 
ing my faithful maid? 

Miss B. {opening her coat and shozuing a badge pinned 
to her blouse). "Captain Brooke," of his Majesty's 
Secret Service. General Egerton has not gone, Madame. 
By previous arrangement with me, he is waiting in your 
arbor yonder, and if you will allow me, I will conduct 
my prisoners to him. Miss Egerton, will you help me? 

Gladys {eagerly). And let me help, too, Captain! 
Oh, Georgette, to think that you were the villain, after 
all! 

{They all move toward the summer-house, Miss 
Brooke first, leading Marie, Gladys and Muriel 
following with Georgette, who is inclined to resist, 
and Madame and Mrs. Royce following. Miss 
Brooke looks hack, sees that Miss Kelly is not 
following, and steps aside with Marie still held by 
the wrist, to let the others pass on first.) 

Miss B. {as Mrs. Royce passes her). Mrs. Royce, I 
advise you not to keep pet pigeons for the present — par- 
ticularly to train them as carriers. It is bound to excite 
suspicion, however innocent your intentions may be. Miss 
Kelly, kindly come this way. We have need of you. 

Miss K. {drawing back). I have nothing to do with 



GETTING THE RANGE 1 9 

all this. Nothing at all. (Miss Brooke stands, zuait- 
ing.) On second thoughts, I will go. I wish to see 
General Egerton— to demand to be sent to my friends 

Miss B. You will be sent— to a safe place, I promise 
you that. Miss Kelly. . . 

{They all proceed to the summer-house.) 
Gladys {aside to Muriel). Isn't it all thrilling' Do 
you suppose your father is going to hold a court martial 
right now? Oh, I shall never be able to return to 
America until the war is over. I've never had such a 
good time in my life. Me for America joining the war ! 
Vive la France! 

{They file into summer-house.) 
CURTAIN 



A Dramatization of 
MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE 

In Three Acts 
By Ethel Hale Freeman 
Fourteen males, seven lemales. Costumes of the period ; scenery, special 
simplified backgrounds, amply described. PJays two hours. Royalty 
^lo.oo for each performance. This version of Booth TarkinjJton's well- 
known and popular novel was made, with the autlior's permission, for 
" Cap and Bells," of Smith College, where it was very successful. It is 
oftered to other colleges, schools and amateur dramatic clubs with the un- 
derstanding that performances of its text must not be given for profit or 
before paying audiences, save for charitable purjioses. Those who re- 
member the late Richard Mansfield's triumphant performance of its hero 
in the stage version prepared by the late Mrs. Sutherland will recall with- 
out difficulty the enormous charm and dramatic power of the story that is 
built about him. A wholly exceptional offering for girls' schools and 
women's clubs. Price ^§0 cents 

CHARACTERS 

M. Beaucaire. Francois. 

Duke of Winterset. Victor. 

Mr. Molyneux. Servant to Beau Nash. 

Harry Rackell. Lady Mary Carlysle. 

Capt. Badger. Lady Malbourne. 

Beau Nash. Lady Clarise. 

Lord Townbrake. Lady Rellerton. 

Mr. Bantison. Lady Baring-Gould. 

Sir Hugh Guilford. Estelle. 

Henri de Beaujolais. Marie. 
Marquis de Mirepoix. 
Servattts to Beaucaire, Marquis, Wititerset and Lady Malbourne, 

KATY DID 

A Comedy in Two Acts 
By Gladys Ruth Bridgham 
Four males, eight females. Costumes, modern and Colonial ; scenery, 
t\vo interiors. Plays an hour and a half. Katherine Bradford, asked to 
choose between a husband^ of her parents' selection and one of her own, 
falls asleep pondering the matter and dreams a dream of Colonial days 
when her great-grandmother, as a matter of history, had to make the same 
important decision. She ends by making the same choice that " Katy " 
did. Recommended for schools. Price, 2^ cents 

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING 

A Comedy in Five Acts 
By IVilliani Shakespeare 
Seventeen males, four females. Scenery varied ; costumes of its period. 
Plays a full evening. A new version of this brilliant comedy intended 
for the use of schools. The text is that airanged by Mr. Winthrop Ames, 
director of The Little Theatre, New York, and former director of The 
New Theatre, New York, It is strongly recommended as the best acting 
version for amateur acting. Price, 75 cents 



FOR COLLEGE THEATRICALS 

FORTUNE BY LAND AND SEA 

A Tragi-Comedy in Five Acts 
By Thomas Heywood and IVilliain Rowley 

Ap acting version arranged for the Annual Theatricals of the Harvard 

Chapter of Delta Upsilon for 1899 

By Janet Edmonson Walker 

Eighteen male, three female characters. Costumes, Elizabethan; 
scenery, varied, but may easily be dispensed with, the piece being even 
advantaged by production under the conditions of its period. Intended to 
serve as a full evening's bill. This is one of the items of a considerable 
list of the productions of the Harvard Dramatic Club that were to have 
been announced but that were abandoned as an indirect consequence of 
the European war. The version offered has been acted with great suc- 
cess, and is entirely competent material for similar experiments by other 
colleges and schools. The serious interest in drama study that is one of 
the most conspicuous features of the present educational scheme has 
originated a. demand for acting material of real value, and we are fortu- 
nate to be able to answer to it with a piece of such high literary and his- 
trionic merit. p^.^^^ boards, 50 cents per copy 

CHARACTERS 

Old Forrest. Purser | , . . 

Frank Forrest ) , . Clinton J P^^^^^^' 

Young Forrest j ^"'^ ^^^^' Clown. 

Old Harding. Pursuivant. 

Philip, his eldest son, married to Host. 

Susan Forrest. Sailor. 

William ] , . Hangman. 

John \ his younger sons. ^^^^ ^^^ Harding, second 

Master Rainsforth, a quarrel- wife to Old Harding. 

some gentleman. Susan, daughter of Old Forrest, 
Goodwin ) friends to Rains- wife to Philip Harding. 

Foster ] forth. Bess, barmaid. 
A Merchant, brother to Mrs. 

Harding. Drawers, Officers, etc, 

TOO MUCH SALT 

A Comedy in One Act 
By G. S. Bryan 
Three male, three female characters. Costumes, modern ; scene, a 
simple interior. Plays twenty minutes. A young husband brings home a 
friend to dinner to find that the cook has left and his wife has cooked the 
dinner, A series of disasters brings about a state of war and upon the 
battle-field arrive the wife's uncle and aunt as reinforcements. A flank 
movement by Auntie's pet dog turns the day, and all ends well. A 
trifle that can be recommended. 

Price, ij cents 



TAKING THE CENSUS IN HINGVILLE 

An Entertainment in One Act by Jessie A. Kellcy. Fou.leen males, 
eight females v^ostumcs, modern ; scenery, un,mp.,nant. I'lays an hour 
and a half One of the always popular go as-you-please entertainments; 
lust a lot ot laughs strung on a very slender wire of story. Full of eccen- 
tric character bits and chances for local hits. A sure success for the 
laughter-loving. Recommended for church societies or intimate com- 
munities. Price, 2j cents 

MISS PRIM'S KINDERGARTEN 

An Entertainment in One Scene by Jessie A. Kelley. Ten males 
eleven females. No scenery or curtain needed; costumes introduce 
grown people dressed as children. Plays an hour and a half. Full oi 
laughs and a sure hit with the audience. All the parts very easy except 
the Teacher's, and as it is possible for her to use a book, the entertain 
ment can be got up with exceptional ease and quickness. Can be recom- 
mended. Price, 2j cents 

THE PACKING OF THE HOME MIS- 
SIONARY BARREL 

An Entertainment in One Scene by Mrs. Henry A. Hallock. Ten fe- 
males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, unimportant. Plays thirty minuter. 
One of those little satires of feminine ways that are so popular even witK 
the ladies; very shrewd and effective, but perfectly good-natured. An as 
sured success and very easy to get up. Strongly recommended. 
Price, /J cents 

A MODERN SEWING SOCIETY 

An Entertainment in One Scene by O. W. Gleason Fourteen females. 
Costumes, modern ; no scenery required. May be easily presented on a 
bare platform. Plays forty-five minutes. A humorous picture of this 
much-abused institution, briskly and vivaciously written and full ol 
-♦ points." Its characters offer a wide variety of opportunity for local hits, 
and satire of local characters and institutions. Price, /j cents 

HOW THE CLUB WAS FORMED 

An Entertainment in Three Scenes by Mrs. O. W. Gleason. Eighteen 
females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, unimportant. Plays one and a 
half hours. A humorous skit on the Woman's Club suited for perform- 
ance by either young or middle-aged women. Full of points and chances 
for local hits and thus a sure laugh-maker. Parts well distributed ; can 
be recommended. Price, ij cents 

SCENES IN THE UNION DEPOT 

A Humorous Entertainment in One Scene by Laura M. Parsons. 
Twenty-four males, eighteen females and eight children, but can be played 
by less if desired. Scenery, unimportant; costumes, modern. Full o/ 
humorous points and chances to introduce local hits. Plays from an houi 
ap, according to specialties introduced. Price, 2^ cents 



TEDDY, OR, THE RUNAWAYS 

A Comedy in Three Acts 

By Walter Ben Hare 

\OriginaUy produced at the Waldorf-Astoria^ New York City t 

February i6, igi2. ) 
Four males, four females. Scenery, a single interior ; costumes, mod* 
ern. Plays two and a quarter hours. An eloping couple take refuge with 
the Junipers when their auto breaks down. The lady explains that they 
are being pursued by her brothers, so when a sheriff and posse arrive in 
pursuit of two thieves, Mrs. Juniper locks them down cellar to let the 
lovers escape. The sheriff gets out and arrests the Junipers whom he 
accuses of being the thieves. It finally appears that the lady is an author- 
ess and that she and her husband are posing as thieves in order to gel ma- 
terial for a novel. Full of action ; characters all good ; lots of comedy j 
strongly recommended. 

Price, 2^ cents 

CHARACTERS 
Jean MacLean, Little Miss Fixit. 
Mrs. Juniper, a Young Wife. 
Victor,! A, the Girl in the Taxi. 
Tex AN A, the Girl of the Golden West. 
Max Juniper, the Perplexed Husband. 
Alonzo Willing, the Fo?'tune Hunter. 
Ted Keegan, the Man on the Box. 
Sheriff Jim Larrabee, Officer 666. 
Two Deputy Sheriffs 

SYNOPSIS 

Act L — Living room at Max Juniper's house on a Texas ranch. 
Spring time. 

Act II. — Same as Act I. The great diamond robbery. 
Act III.— Same as Acts I and II. The thunderbolt. 



WANTED— A PITCHER 

A Farce in One Act 

By M. N. Beebe 
Eleven males. Scenery not important ; costumes, modern. Plays half an 
hour. Hank Dewberry, the crack pitcher of the home nine, is kept from 
the championship game by his skinflint father who wants him to do the hay 
ing. Hank's friends try to find a substitute pitcher, with humorous but 
unsatisfactory results. The elder Dewberry finally releases Hank when 
one of the players shows him how to win the county championship at 
checkers, on which he sets his heart. Hebrew, Irish, Italian and " hay- 
seed " comedy character parts. Recommended. 
Pricgf i^ cents 



r 



Jl« iU. Pinero's Plays 

Price, 50 0e:tts Caeb 



Min rH&NNFI Play in Pot"" Acts. Sii males, five femaleB. 
"**^"^**'»""*^" Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. 
Plays two and a half hours. 



THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH SS,"" Ei^\"J 

males, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery, all interiors. 



THF PRHFIir'ATF Playin Four Acts. Seven males, five 
* ***^ * I\V/r LilU/\ 1 £1 females. Scenery, three interiors, rather 
•laborate ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

TUr CrUnni MICTDTQC Farce in Three Acts. Nine males, 
inEi 0\^nUViLilTlli31I\£.Jk} seven females. Costumes, mod- 
ern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY |||L'"m^a°S,^SV; 

females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a 
full evening. 

QWFFT T AVFNnFR Comedyin Three Acts. Seven males, 
i9YYCi£il Li/\ V£<iii/£<Iv four females. Scene, a sin^jle interior, 
Costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

TUC TUITAinrDDni T Comedv in Four Acts. Ten males, 
inEi in\jnuLl\DKJLil nine females. Scenery, three interi- 
ors; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

THF TIMFQ Comedy in Four Acts. Six males, seven females. 
1 nC 1 IlTlEiiJ Scene, a single interior ; costumes, modern. Plays 
ft full evening. 

TUF WFAITFR QFY Comedyin Three Acts. Eight males, 
iriEi YY EiAIvlLIV OJuiA eight females. Costumes, modern; 
scenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. 

A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE ??;r,tl,;s,fJurremlie:; 

Costumes, modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. 

Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

Walttv ^. paber & Companp 

No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 



Jr^^Rf^RY 



i 



of Paps 

Incite, 15 €entiGt 4Sac| 




iC TATl I HTP IT Comedy in Fire Acts. Thirteen males, four 
AD lUU VlJl^C 11 females. Ck>8tnmes, picturesque ; scenery, t»- 
rl6<L PlayB a full evening. 

riMIT T P Drama in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. Cos- 
vAJuILfl^C tomes, modern ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. 

IMfinilAD Play in Five Acts. Thirteen males, three females. 
lIlUUlu/U\ Scenery varied ; costumes, Greek. Plays a full evening. 

MADV ^TITADT Tragedy in Five A6t8. Thirteen males, four f©- 
ulAi\I J III All I males, and supernumeraries. Costumes, of the 
period ; scenery, varied and elaborate. Plays a full evening. 

TOE MERCHANT OF VENICE Srs^Jh^erf^m^S: c^^^. 

picturesque ; scenery varied. Plays a full evening. 

DimPT IFIT ^^^y ^^ ^^^® Acts. Fifteen males, two females. Been- 
mvUCIyll^v ery elaborate j costumes of the period. Plays a full 
evening. 

THP VIVAT ^ Comedy in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. 
lllJu niTAl^J Scenery varied; costumes of the period. Plays a 
full evening. 

SHE STOOPS TO CONQOER SX^i? ffJ.'ief.'IcJS^'V'^ 

ried i costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. 

TWELFTH NlfiHT; OR, WHA? YOli WILL S°cSi'..'"„Si'. 

three females. Costumes, picturesque ; ticensry, raried. Plays a 
fall evening. 



Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 

Salter ^» 'Bafeer & Compant 

Fo. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts, 

S. J. PARKHILL a CO.. PRINTBRS. BOSTON, y,«.A 



